2010 Cote Rotie La Chatillonne Cote Blonde

Brilliant ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes candied dark berries, roasted coffee, Indian spices and potpourri. Intense, subtly sweet red and blue fruit, cola and violet pastille flavors are energized by a jolt of juicy acidity and peppery spices. Closes impressively long and juicy, displaying a smoky mineral quality and building tannins and leaving behind a sexy floral note.

Mid crimson/ruby. Meaty nose smells reasonably well developed. Lots of acidity and it’s a bit too tart to enjoy now but there is certainly finesse. (JR)

A step up over the ’09, the 2010 Cote Rotie Cote Blonde La Chatillonne (88% Syrah and 12% Viognier) gives up a fabulous bouquet of violets, rose petal, blackberry jam, game and hints of wild herbs that continues to develop in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and finesse driven on the palate, with a seamless texture, this gorgeous 2010 can be consumed now (preferably with a decant), or cellared for a decade or more. Owned by the Guigal team, with the wines made by Guy Sarton-de-Joncquey, Vidal Fleury produces a wealth of high quality releases, most of which represent fantastic values. In addition to the northern and southern Rhone releases reviewed here, readers should also look at Issue 209 for the remainder of the southern Rhone efforts.